Mathematics Notes – Algebra and Functions
Introduction
Algebra is a branch of mathematics that deals with symbols and the rules for
manipulating these symbols. It is a way to represent general mathematical
relationships and solve problems systematically. Functions are an essential part of
algebra, describing the relationship between inputs (independent variables) and
outputs (dependent variables).
1. Algebraic Expressions
Definition: A combination of numbers, variables, and operations (addition,
subtraction, multiplication, division, powers).
Examples:
𝑥
3
+
5
3x+5
𝑎
2
2
−
𝑏
7
+
4
2a
2
−7b+4
Simplifying Expressions:
Combine like terms (terms with the same variable raised to the same power).
𝑎
Use distributive property:
𝑏
(
𝑐
+
𝑎
=
𝑎
+
𝑐
a(b+c)=ab+ac
Factoring Expressions:
Factor out the greatest common factor (GCF):
𝑥
6
2
+
𝑥
9
𝑥
3
𝑥
2
+
3
)
6x
2
+9x=3x(2x+3)
𝑥
Factor quadratic expressions:
2
+
𝑥
5
+
6
=
𝑥
(
+
2
)
𝑥
(
+
3
)
x
2
+5x+6=(x+2)(x+3)
𝑎
Difference of squares:
𝑏
−
2
=
𝑎
(
𝑏
−
𝑎
(
𝑏
+
)
a
2
−b
2
=(a−b)(a+b)
2. Equations and Inequalities
Linear Equations
𝑎
Form:
𝑏
+
=
0
ax+b=0
𝑥
Solve by isolating
𝑥
x:
𝑏
−
𝑎
x=−
a
b
Example:
𝑥
3
+
6
=
0
𝑥
⇒
=
−
2
3x+6=0⇒x=−2
Quadratic Equations
𝑎
Form:
𝑥
2
𝑏
+
𝑐
+
=
0
ax
2
+bx+c=0
Solutions using:
𝑥
Factoring:
2
−
𝑥
5
+
6
=
0
⇒
𝑥
(
−
2
)
𝑥
(
−
3
)
=
0
𝑥
⇒
=
2
,
3
x
2
−5x+6=0⇒(x−2)(x−3)=0⇒x=2,3
𝑥
Quadratic formula:
𝑏
−
𝑏
±
2
−
𝑎
4
𝑎
2
x=
2a
−b±
b
2
−4ac
Completing the square
Inequalities
Solve similarly to equations, but flip the inequality sign when
multiplying/dividing by a negative number.
Example:
−
𝑥
2
>
4
𝑥
⇒
<
−
2
−2x>4⇒x<−2
Can be represented on a number line or using interval notation.
3. Functions
Definition
A function is a rule that assigns exactly one output to each input.
𝑓
Notation:
𝑥
(
𝑓
f(x) denotes a function named
𝑥
f of variable
x.
𝑓
Example:
𝑥
(
)
=
𝑥
2
+
3
f(x)=2x+3
Types of Functions
𝑓
Linear Functions:
𝑥
(
)
𝑚
=
𝑏
+
f(x)=mx+b
Graph is a straight line
𝑚
Slope
𝑏
m indicates steepness;
b is the y-intercept
𝑓
Quadratic Functions:
𝑥
(
𝑎
=
𝑥
2
𝑏
+
𝑐
+
f(x)=ax
2
+bx+c
Graph is a parabola
𝑥
Vertex:
𝑣
=
𝑏
−
𝑎
2
𝑦
,
𝑓
=
𝑥
(
𝑣
)
x
v
=−
2a
b
,y
v
=f(x
v
Polynomial Functions: Sum of terms with variables raised to integer powers.
𝑓
Example:
𝑥
(
𝑥
=
3
−
𝑥
4
𝑥
+
−
5
f(x)=x
3
−4x
2
+x−5
𝑥
Degree of polynomial = highest power of
𝑓
Exponential Functions:
𝑥
(
𝑎
=
𝑏
⋅
𝑥
f(x)=a⋅b
x
𝑏
,
>
0
𝑏
,
≠
1
b>0,b
=1
𝑏
Growth if
>
1
b>1, decay if
0
𝑏
<
<
1
0<b<1
𝑓
Rational Functions: Ratio of two polynomials
𝑥
(
𝑃
=
𝑥
(
𝑄
)
𝑥
(
)
f(x)=
Q(x)
P(x)
𝑄
Undefined where
𝑥
(
)
=
0
Q(x)=0
4. Operations with Functions
Addition/Subtraction:
𝑓
(
𝑔
+
𝑥
(
𝑓
=
𝑥
(
𝑔
+
𝑥
(
)
(f+g)(x)=f(x)+g(x)
Multiplication:
𝑓
(
𝑔
⋅
𝑥
(
𝑓
=
𝑥
(
𝑔
⋅
𝑥
(
)
(f⋅g)(x)=f(x)⋅g(x)
Division:
𝑓
(
𝑔
)
𝑥
(
𝑓
=
𝑥
(
𝑔
)
𝑥
(
𝑔
,
𝑥
(
)
≠
0
(
g
f
)(x)=
g(x)
f(x)
,g(x)
=0
Composition:
𝑓
(
𝑔
∘
𝑥
(
𝑓
=
𝑔
(
𝑥
(
)
)
(f∘g)(x)=f(g(x))
5. Graphing Functions
Linear: Straight line with slope and intercept
Quadratic: Parabola, vertex indicates minimum or maximum
Exponential: Curves showing growth or decay
Rational: Hyperbola with asymptotes
Key Tips:
𝑓
Always find intercepts: x-intercept (
𝑥
(
)
=
0
𝑥
f(x)=0), y-intercept (
=
0
x=0)
Check domain and range
Determine symmetry (even, odd, or neither)
6. Systems of Equations
Solving multiple equations simultaneously to find common solutions
Substitution method: Solve one equation for a variable and substitute into another
Elimination method: Add or subtract equations to eliminate one variable
Graphical method: Intersection point of graphs
Example:
𝑥
2
𝑦
+
=
5
𝑦
−
=
1
𝑥
⇒
=
2
𝑦
,
=
1
{
2x+y=5
x−y=1
⇒x=2,y=1
7. Sequences and Series
𝑎
Arithmetic sequence:
𝑎
=
1
+
𝑛
(
−
1
𝑑
)
a
n
=a
1
+(n−1)d
𝑎
Geometric sequence:
𝑎
=
𝑟
⋅
𝑛
−
1
a
n
=a
1
⋅r
n−1
Sum formulas:
𝑆
Arithmetic:
𝑛
=
𝑎
(
𝑎
+
𝑛
)
S
n
=
2
n
(a
1
+a
n
)
𝑆
Geometric:
𝑎
=
1
1
𝑟
−
𝑛
1
𝑟
−
S
n
=a
1
1−r
1−r
n
8. Problem-Solving Strategies
Understand the problem fully before solving.
Identify knowns and unknowns.
Translate words into algebraic expressions or equations.
Check solutions by substitution.
Draw diagrams if necessary (especially for functions and geometry).
Conclusion
Mastering algebra and functions is essential because these concepts are the
building blocks for higher-level mathematics, including calculus, statistics, and
physics. Understanding equations, functions, and their properties allows students
to solve real-world problems and develop logical thinking skills.
